January-February 2014The horatioNEWSBOY Alger Society Page 1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

A magazine devoted to the study of Horatio Alger, Jr., his life, works, and influence on the culture of America.

VOLUME LII JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 NUMBER 1

2014 convention preview ‘A drift in Annapolis’

• Convention preview article • Registration form • Schedule of events • Hotel information

-- See Page 3

The Maryland State House, oldest active state house in the United States, was the national capitol building in 1783-84 when Annapolis briefly was the seat of the fledgling U.S. government.

From ‘Snow Lodge’ to The Island Camp -- See Page 8 Page 2 NEWSBOY January-February 2014

HORATIO ALGER SOCIETY To further the philosophy of Horatio Alger, Jr. and to encourage the spirit of Strive & Succeed that for half a century guided Alger’s undaunted heroes. Our members conduct research and provide President’s column scholarship on the life of Horatio Alger, Jr., his works and influence on the culture of America. The Horatio Alger Society embraces col- lectors and enthusiasts of all juvenile literature, including boys’ and girls’ series, pulps and dime novels. Spring is for conventions! Dig out from the snow, avoid the rain, and plan for OFFICERS a wonderful spring. We have news about the Horatio BARRY SCHOENBORN PRESIDENT JEFF LOONEY VICE-PRESIDENT Alger Society website and the convention. CHRISTINE DeHAAN TREASURER Website enhancements ROBERT G. SIPES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Congratulations to Bob Eastlack (PF-557) for his excellent idea of adding the category “first hard-cover BOARD OF DIRECTORS editions” to the Works section of the website. He sup- LEE SWITZER (2014) DIRECTOR plied screenshots, too! This will make it easier for col- ROBERT M. PETITTO (2014) DIRECTOR lectors and scholars to see the difference between the CARY STERNICK (2014) DIRECTOR real first edition (typically in a paper wrapper) and the DAVID J. YARINGTON (2015) DIRECTOR first edition of that title issued with boards. Thanks as KENNETH BROADIE (2015) DIRECTOR well to webmaster Bob Huber (PF-843) for putting this RICHARD B. HOFFMAN (2015) DIRECTOR JACK BALES (2016) DIRECTOR content up rapidly. As a bonus, we also have a new link ROBERT D. EASTLACK (2016) DIRECTOR to Jennifer White’s excellent site about girls’ series books: LYNDA STRAUS (2016) DIRECTOR www.series-books.com/. There’s a load of information LEO “BOB” BENNETT (1932-2004) EMERITUS here, and she’s put up a link to our site. RALPH D. GARDNER (1923-2005) EMERITUS Membership renewals Our editor, Bill Gowen, inserts membership renewal PAST PRESIDENTS envelopes in Newsboy when it’s your month to renew. KENNETH B. BUTLER WILLIAM R. WRIGHT JACK ROW ROBERT E. KASPER Yes, you can renew at the standard rate of $25, or the DR. MAX GOLDBERG MARY ANN DITCH senior rate of $20. But why do that? The best thing for STEVE PRESS JOHN CADICK the Horatio Alger Society (and ultimately, you) is to re- JUDSON S. BERRY CARL T. HARTMANN new at the “Sustaining member” rate of $50. It’s only a LEO “BOB” BENNETT ARTHUR P. YOUNG little extra money, but it goes a long way. Also, it shows JERRY B. FRIEDLAND CAROL NACKENOFF other members that you really care about H.A.S. Give BRADFORD S. CHASE ROBERT G. HUBER it a thought. You can, of course, insert a check in your ROBERT E. SAWYER ROBERT R. ROUTHIER membership dues envelope, but you can also renew online EUGENE H. HAFNER MICHAEL MORLEY D. JAMES RYBERG LAWRENCE R. RICE via PayPal — and PayPal takes credit cards. Visit www. GEORGE W. OWENS ROBERT G. SIPES horatioalgersociety.net/203_membership.html. The convention, of course! Newsboy, the official newsletter of the Horatio Alger Society, is pub- H.A.S. Convention 2014, “Adrift in Annapolis,” is lished bi-monthly (six issues per year). Membership fee for any 12-month set for May 1-4. On Page 3, you’ll find a first-class article period is $25 ($20 for seniors), with single issues of Newsboy $4.00. Please make remittance payable to the Horatio Alger Society. by host Dick Hoffman (PF-570) about the historic city of Membership applications, renewals, changes of address and other cor- Annapolis, with details about the hotel (Hampton Inn respondence should be sent to Horatio Alger Society, 1004 School St., & Suites on Womack Drive). A registration form and Shelbyville, IN 46176. Newsboy is indexed in the Modern Language Association’s Interna- schedule of events are enclosed with this issue. tional Bibliography.You are invited to visit the Horatio Alger Society’s As well you know, our convention is the Society’s official Internet site at www.horatioalgersociety.net. major event of the year, and the consignment and dona- Newsboy ad rates: Full page, $32.00; one-half page, $17.00; one-quarter tion auction already has a nice selection of books lined page, $9.00; per column inch (1 inch deep by approx. 3 1/2 inches wide), $2.00. Send ads, with check payable to Horatio Alger Society, 1004 School up. Please attend if you can! St., Shelbyville, IN 46176. These rates apply to all want ads, along with ads Your Partic’lar Friend, offering non-Alger books for sale. However, it is the policy of the Horatio Barry Schoenborn (PF-1087) Alger Society to promote the exchange of Alger books and related Alger 552 Brock Road materials by providing space free of charge to our members for the sale only of such material. Send advertisements or “Letters to the Editor” to Nevada City, CA 95959 Newsboy editor William R. Gowen (PF-706) at 23726 N. Overhill Dr., E-mail: [email protected] Lake Zurich, IL 60047. E-mail: [email protected] January-February 2014 NEWSBOY Page 3

2014 convention preview ‘Adrift in Annapolis’ By Richard B. Hoffman (PF-570) over the many small waterways running through the t’s now time to make your reservations to attend this area, as well as the Severn River. year’s annual convention of the Horatio Alger Soci- You can tour the U.S. Naval Academy merely by show- Iety — “Adrift in Annapolis,” which runs from Thurs- ing your ID to walk onto the grounds, but if there is suf- day, May 1, to Sunday, May 4, 2014. The double attraction ficient interest shown during registration, we’ll arrange of a delightful setting — Annapolis — and an exciting con- a special tour for Saturday afternoon. Places to visit on vention makes this an occasion not to miss! Annapolis is the Naval Academy grounds include the Naval Acad- a compact, charm- emy Museum; the ing city right on chapel, location of Chesapeake Bay, the crypt of John suffused with a Paul Jones (“Fa- nautical air and ther of the United 18th century sur- States Navy”) and roundings. the world’s largest If this is your college dormitory, first time in An- Bancroft Hall. napolis, you’ll be Historical sites experiencing an in- within Annapo- toxicating mélange lis begin with the of sailing, 18th cen- State House and tury atmosphere, the nearby Wil- great Chesapeake liam Paca House seafood, the oldest and Gardens and state capitol build- other 18th century ing still in use, and, buildings right in of course, the U.S. the central area. Naval Academy. Paca was a signer Attractions of An- Annapolis, the historic capital of Maryland and home of the United of the Declaration napolis for visitors States Naval Academy, will host the H.A.S. convention May 1-4. of Independence and Alger fans range from the Maryland Avenue antique and his spacious home and gardens have been restored store row to the City Dock, where boat owners parade to the way they looked in the 1700s. their craft down the channel known to the locals as Annapolis was also one of a number of Eastern cities to “Ego Alley” right up to the old market square at the be — briefly — the capital of the United States during the head of the harbor, as well as shops and museums of 1780s as our nation moved from gaining independence all kinds. to drafting and ratifying the Constitution. So history Adjacent to the state capitol, which is open to visitors, abounds, but so do a wide range of old and new shops, is St. John’s College, famous for its curriculum featuring from those practicing traditional crafts to extensive the Great Books of Western Civilization. shopping malls. Adding to the appeal of the city are the many pleasant The convention hotel is the Hampton Inn and Suites, restaurants featuring the wide range of preparations of 124 Womack Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 571- the Chesapeake blue crab, and a host of stores, supply 0200. We’ll have a complimentary breakfast available houses, and watering holes serving and frequented by there each morning and free WiFi in the rooms. Make sailors — both professional and recreational, along with your room reservations soon because there is a limited the naval academy’s midshipmen. The central area is block of rooms set aside for us at $119 per night. perfect for walking, and when you drive, you will find Our room block will expire on April 1, 2014, or when- yourself passing picture-postcard views from bridges (Continued on Page 7) Page 4 NEWSBOY January-February 2014

Strive and Succeed Award The following Partic’lar Friends made donations Editor’s notebook to the Strive and Succeed Award fund in calen- dar year 2013, in addition to the list in the Novem- ber-December Newsboy. Also, we recognize five additional H.A.S. sustaining members, below: The 2014 Horatio Alger Society convention is barely three months away, and by now I hope you’ve read host John Fogarty (PF-1022) Dick Hoffman’s preview article beginning on Page 3. Robert George (PF-489) “Adrift in Annapolis” promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone, and I hope this historic city Robert M. Petitto (PF-1086) will prove to be a magnet not only for our regular at- William Stone (PF-1113) tendees, but for those Partic’lar Friends who live within Maybelle Yarington (PF-1084) reasonable travel distance who want to attend their David Yarington (PF-1050) first convention. Annapolis, of course, is the location of the United Sustaining members: States Naval Academy, and I’m hopeful many of you will Bradford S. Chase (PF-412) choose to accept our host’s offer to arrange a special tour of the Academy grounds on Saturday afternoon. You will Robert George (PF-489) not be disappointed; the USNA occupies a rather small, Robert M. Petitto (PF-1086) compact campus, with Maybelle Yarington (PF-1084) everything within easy David Yarington (PF-1050) walking distance. In the March-April Newsboy, I’ll give on one of our present cold Arctic mornings. details on things to There are several other John Paul Jones books aimed see there, having had at young readers that are of interest. Molly Elliot the pleasure to spend Seawell’s 163-page Paul Jones was published in 1893 time at the Academy by D. Appleton and on several occasions Company as part of its over the years. Young Heroes of Our I will note one im- Navy series. The au- portant U.S. Naval thor fictionalizes this Academy place not account of Jones’ life by to be missed. On the adding dialog, but still lower level of the cha- maintains the accurate pel is the crypt of John Paul Jones, the “Father of the historical record. United States Navy,” who as a commodore led his ship, The same method of the 42-gun Bon Homme Richard, to a legendary victory literary construction is over the 50-gun British frigate Serapis during the Revo- used by author John T. lutionary War. Guarded at all times by a Marine sentry, McIntyre for With John Jones’ raised marble sarcophagus is the centerpiece of Paul Jones (Penn Publish- the crypt, which is open to the public. ing Co., 1906) and the You can learn all about John Paul Jones’ career and book concludes with the famous 1779 sea battle that sealed exploits on Wikipedia or other websites, or you can Commo- dore Jones’ legend. A healthy 358 pages, With John opt to read about him in books written for the juvenile Paul Jones keeps the reader at peak interest throughout. It audience. One of my favorites is The Story of John Paul contains seven illustrations by Clyde O. Deland. Jones (McLoughlin Brothers, 1906) by renowned author The U.S. Naval Academy is most worthy of a visit of Boy Scout fiction Percy K. Fitzhugh, the first title in while attending the convention on May 1-4. I urge you his Young Folks Colonial Library series of six volumes. to write “yes” in the designated spot on the enclosed This book is only 63 pages long, so you can read it in convention registration form to take this Saturday af- just 15 or 20 minutes while enjoying a hot cup of coffee ternoon walking tour. January-February 2014 NEWSBOY Page 5 Horatio Alger interviews Jerry Friedland (PF-376) Editor’s note: On the 115th anniversary of Horatio Alger’s death and his 182nd birth year (he was born Jan. 13, 1832), Horatio Alger returns to earth to interview H.A.S. members regarding their Alger collections. This is the eleventh in a series written by an anonynmous author posing as Horatio Alger.

H.A.: Hello is this Jerry Friedland? J.F.: It is he. H.A.: Great. This is Horatio Alger calling. How are you today? J.F.: Oh, I’m pretty good. How are you? H.A.: I’m just fine for a 182-year-old man. I understand you’ve been collecting my books for some time. J.F.: I sure have. I’m almost one hundred years younger than you now. H.A.: Well, congratulations. How did you get started col- lecting my books? J.F.: Well, when I was about 13 years old, about 1945, I was living in New York City and I would take the subway down to 4th Avenue between 14th Street and 4th with my friend, Bill. There must have been 16 book stores on both sides of 4th Avenue. I’d go into those stores and buy your books. One of Longtime Alger collector and former H.A.S. president the first books I bought was Tattered Tom, not a first edition, Jerry Friedland, left, and the late Ralph Gardner (PF- but a Loring which I still have. 053) during one of the many annual conventions the H.A.: Wasn’t that the only book I wrote about a girl? two Partic’lar Friends attended over the years. J.F.: There was Helen Ford! first Alger book I had was one published by Crown called H.A.: You got me there, Jerry. My memory isn’t what it Struggling Upward and other works with a nice dust jacket. I used to be — dear Helen Ford, my goodness. So you’ve been still have it; There were other titles in the appendix. Someone collecting my books for almost 70 years? embellished that list. I think his name was Russell Crouse. J.F.: Yes, I have, seriously since about 1972 when I He invented some titles that never existed. was about 40 years old. I started collecting first editions H.A.: No kidding? How dare he! How dare he! Where do and alternate titles. I collect periodicals as well, published you get my books now? before your books were published in hard cover. I have ap- J.F.: Your books were readily available in the thirties. It’s proximately 60 of those, the original appearances of your very difficult to find them today. Once in a while we find good books in print. books at the Alger convention auction. H.A.: That’s wonderful. How many books do you have? H.A.: I’ll have to go to one of those sometime. J.F.: I guess I have about 150 books and 95 first editions. Of J.F.: You really should. They’re a lot of fun. About seven course, this is my second time around collecting your books. years ago, a half hour from my house, I found a rare reprint My first collection was acquired by the Alger depository at of Seeking His fortune. I do believe the reprint is rarer than Northern Illinois University near Chicago. the first edition. H.A.: I’ve heard about that. H.A.: My goodness! J.F.: When I started collecting again, I acquired many of J.F.: Yes, we’re still talking about that. I was fortunate Ralph Gardner’s books. So that’s my second collection of enough to get it at a very reasonable price — Seeking His first editions. fortune. H.A.: What’s your favorite book? H.A.: Any unusual items in your collection? J.F.: I have a lot of favorite books. I like some of the early J.F.: Looking at my collection from where I’m sitting right stories like Ragged Dick, Rufus and Rose, Ben, The Luggage now, I have several unusual variant copies of first editions. I have Boy and Rough and Ready. They are just a few. I think the (Continued on Page 6) Page 6 NEWSBOY January-February 2014

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Horatio Alger interviews Dear Bill: Shortly after I received my copy of the November-De- cember Newsboy, in my article “Collecting Fez Editions” Jerry Friedland (PF-376) I discovered that I made a couple of mistakes on Page 15 of the key. You will notice there are listed two Blank (Continued from Page 5) Cover 3.09. Obviously, The Train Boy should be 3.08. one book with a double end paper — two sets of end papers. The other mistake was in showing 12 titles as being H.A.: Do you have a daytime job or are you retired? published in the Gold/Tulip A&B listings. Only 11 titles J.F.: I’m a trial attorney. were printed in those categories, with Mark Mason’s Vic- H.A.: Wow! tory and A Debt of Honor being the two titles not included J.F.: I just finished a four-hour trial. in the Burt Publications ad. The first edition ofBen Bruce H.A.: You’re still going strong at 81 years old, eh? (listed at Gold/Tulip A.01) was not printed until Gold/ J.F.: I turned 81 last year — almost a hundred years younger Tulip C with the 52-58 Duane Street address and having than you. the Books for Boys sub headline ad. H.A.: Who is your favorite character in my books? Anyone interested in a corrected copy of this Excel file J.F.: I don’t know; I have several ... Rufus, Dick, and Ben feel free to ask and I will gladly forward it to you, or you are probably in a three-way tie for my favorite. can mark your copies of Newsboy with these changes. H.A.: Any questions for me? I hope you and all our members enjoyed a happy and J.F.: I’m wondering if any of your lost stories will ever safe holiday season. turn up? We don’t know if they exist. It would be interesting Bob Eastlack (PF-557) if any turn up. Look at all the books that have turned up over 2014 Walnut St. the years we didn’t know existed. Carl Cantab. Wasn’t he a Lebanon, PA 17042 - 5781 pseudonym? How about him? H.A.: We’ll find out one day, won’t we? It’s been a pleasure Dear Bill: talking to you Jerry. In addition to my article in this issue, “From ‘Snow J.F.: My pleasure. I wish you could come to one of our Lodge’ to The Island Camp,” which begins with refer- conventions. How about this year in Annapolis? It would be ences to Christmas gifts, some other Edward Stratemeyer nice if you showed up. stories have a more direct connection. Three of the 26 H.A.: Well, you never know. Newark Sunday Call newspaper stories were timed and themed with the holiday season. One of the stories, “Jimmie’s Reward” (23 Dec. 1894) was included in our book Holiday Stories for Boys (avail- MEMBERSHIP able in paperback at www.lulupress.com). If we do another volume, we can include the other New member two, “Davy’s Christmas” (20 Dec. 1891) and “Christmas Ronald Bott (PF-1127) on Gradley Farm” (20 Dec. 1896). I gathered copies of those during my June visit to Newark Public Library 52 Flower Lane on the Saturday before the Dime Novel Conference at Ellsworth, ME 04605 Villanova University. I extracted the cover, introduction, ads, and “Jimmie’s E-mail: [email protected] Reward” pages from Holiday Stories for Boys and made a In addition to reading Horatio Alger books, Ron PDF available for people who are interested in reading enjoys woodcrafting. He was referred to the Society it. Go to keeline.com/Holiday_Stories_for_Boys.pdf by Dave Yarington (PF-1050). I think you will find that the story has some elements in common with Alger stories. Feel free to pass this mes- Change of Address sage to others whom you think would be interested in it for the Stratemeyer or Alger connections. Jennifer Greeley (PF-1110) Sincerely, 6816 25th Ave. James D. Keeline (PF-898) Kenosha, WI 53143 5707 Spartan Drive San Diego, CA 92115 E-mail: [email protected] January-February 2014 NEWSBOY Page 7 ‘Adrift in Annapolis’ (Continued from Page 3) ever the room block is filled, so make your reservations early (now!) at the Hampton Inn & Suites Annapolis. Call the hotel directly by phone at (410) 571-0200, and be sure to mention the Horatio Alger Society to get the special convention rate. You may also use the special link Hampton Inn has set up on the Internet: hamptoninn. hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/A/ANDMDHX-HAS- 20140501/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG. The hotel is making available the special rate from Tuesday, April 30 through Wednesday, May 7 for those who want to spend more time in this delightful area. Make your reservation by phone if you want to arrive early or stay late. The Hampton Inn is located just north of the congested downtown Annapolis area, off a main thoroughfare, Riva Rd., which is right off both U.S. Route 50, the main highway between Washington, D.C. and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Interstate 97, which runs directly down from Baltimore. There’s free parking at the hotel, so bring your car, as we will be having dinners at two nearby restaurants within short driving distance: Friday at Mike’s Crabhouse on the South River, and the annual Saturday night banquet at Galway Bay Irish Pub on the Maryland Avenue The Galway Bay Irish Pub, featured on the Food Net- antiques row, right by the State House. work’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2012, will be The convention program is rapidly approaching the site of the annual H.A.S. banquet on May 3. completion, and it will feature the auction of the Bill Russell collection as well as talks by Ed Mattson (PF- a stop at BWI Airport, on the busy Northeast Corridor 067) on the right way to repair valuable books, Brad rail route. Chase (PF-412) introducing his newly-finished volume If you are able to spend more time in the area, on the Hurst miniatures, and Bill Gowen (PF-706) on Annapolis offers a host of activities. It of course is Jack Bechdolt, one of the 20th century’s most versatile “America’s Sailing Capital,” for those seeking to get out authors of books for young people. on the water, and there are many water tours as well As mentioned above, we’ll have a complimentary as sailboats for rent. In the downtown area there are continental breakfast at the hotel, but if you’re up early museums and historic homes galore to visit: in addition and drive into downtown (probably the best time of to the State House and the Paca House and Gardens, day for easy auto access), you’ll find breakfast places there are both the Annapolis Maritime Museum and the that the locals and state legislators frequent — Chick Historic Annapolis Museum, other historic homes and and Ruth’s, conveniently located on Main Street and churches, and tearooms and taverns dating to the 1700s the slightly more upscale (and uptown) Miss Shirley’s, such as the Reynolds and Middleton Taverns, both of a branch of a well-known Baltimore breakfast-and- which are still serving victuals and libations. lunch specialty spot. If you decide to make an extended trip to the region, The closest airport — 22 miles away — is Baltimore- both Washington and Baltimore, with their many Washington International (known in the area and on fabulous museums and historic sites, are each less your luggage tag and ticket as BWI), from which there than an hour’s highway ride away, approximately 32 is shuttle and taxi service, as well as car rental. Because miles to Washington and 26 miles to Baltimore’s Inner BWI is served by Southwest Airlines, fares there tend to Harbor. be priced lower than to and from the two Washington In the March-April Newsboy, we’ll describe in more airports — Dulles (IAD) and Reagan National (DCA) detail many of the historic places to visit and enjoy while — both farther away but accessible. Amtrak also has attending the convention. Page 8 NEWSBOY January-February 2014 From ‘Snow Lodge’ to The Island Camp Edward Stratemeyer adapts his own material in creating one of his most sought-after books By James D. Keeline (PF-898) dward Stratemeyer was an immensely prolific and Einfluential writer of juveniles. Not only were at least 160 of his stories published as books, he also founded the Stratemeyer Syndicate in 1905 that ultimately produced some 1,400 volumes before it was sold to Simon & Schuster in 1985. Among his personal writings are many works for story papers, dime novels, and even newspapers. Only some of those were published a books. Stratemeyer also mentioned Christmas in many of his stories, especially volumes in the Rover Boys Series. In his own letters he makes some mention of the exchange of gifts and the gathering of family for the holiday. When he wrote to Olive Augusta Cheney upon the occasion of the passing of her brother, Horatio Alger, Jr., in 1899, he stated:

I do not know what the boys of America will do now that one of the best of their entertainers has laid down his Several people have observed that Stratemeyer didn’t pen forever. Writers there are by the score, but I know like to let any of his material lay idle, if he could avoid it. of no one who could, or can, tell a story exactly as your Hence, short stories he wrote for the Sunday Call news- brother would tell it, with its direct force, dry and sly paper of Newark, New Jersey, were reprinted, often with humor, and its intense interest in small things. When a new titles and pen names, and cut down to suit whatever boy myself my two favorite writers were Horatio Alger, length he needed for his story paper, Bright Days. In Jr. and “Oliver Optic,” and I have still in my library “Paul Holiday Stories for Boys, a collection of these newspaper the Peddler” and similar volumes which I received on short stories, I included two examples of the Sunday Christmas or on a birthday, with boundless delight. Call story and the revised story for Bright Days so that ­Edward Stratemeyer to Olive Augusta Cheney, the reader can see what changes were made. Aug. 17, 1899. After 1900, Stratemeyer stopped selling stories to the Sunday Call. The newspaper existed for many more years Paul the Peddler was published by A.K. Loring in 1871. but likely its interest in that sort of fiction had waned. The Preface is dated Oct. 25, 1871. At Christmas of that Stratemeyer was now producing stories for older readers, year Edward was nine years old and could well have including romances and detective stories beginning in the received one of those original copies. late 1890s. He wrote a cluster of stories in 1903 and 1904 As is well known, Stratemeyer was proud to have and two of those were sold to Street & Smith for their new written books as the favorite authors from his youth, pulp magazine called The Popular Magazine, and two “Oliver Optic” and Horatio Alger, Jr. He wrote one others were sold to the Sunday edition of The Evening volume as “Optic” and 11 as Alger. Although the idea News of Newark called The Sunday News. The stories had been proposed by Alger, it was not acted upon by serialized for this newspaper were “The Round-Top Oil Stratemeyer until the above letter was sent. It was fol- Well” and “The Fight for a Franchise.” lowed by letters whereby Mrs. Cheney would offer Stratemeyer had become more interested in career plays, partial manuscripts, and serials to Edward to be stories as a hook for his plots for older readers with light worked into publishable form. romance themes. He had already produced some regular January-February 2014 NEWSBOY Page 9

was issued later in 1904 by A.S. Barnes of New York. It was a fairly warm September 1903 when Strate- meyer retired to his upstairs home office at 203 North Sixth Street in the Roseville section of Newark to write “Snow Lodge,” a winter’s tale set around Christmas and early January. A writer soon learns that publishers need to have timely stories in hand well before the projected publication date, even if this means writing it in a season when it is harder to imagine the timing of the story. According to an historical weather archive (weather- warehouse.com), there was some rain but no snow in September 1903, including September 9-19, when Stratemeyer recorded in his Literary Account Books that he worked on this story:

No. 199. “Snow Lodge.” Short hunting serial, written Sept. 9-19, 1903. Serial right sold to Street & Smith for new magazine. Pub. in Popular Magazine, 2 & 3. (See No. 211). $200.00.

The highest temperature in the month was 89°F and the low of the month was 39°F, well above freezing. Also important, the coldest high temperature for any day in September 1903 was 52°F. Indeed, in the midst of the time when he was writing this story, a hurricane formed on September 12 and dissipated on September 17. It made landfall near Atlantic City with winds of up to 100 miles First page of Chapter 1 of Edward Stratemeyer’s per hour and headed inland to Pennsylvania. More than “Snow Lodge,” which made its debut in the Decem- 35 people died and the storm totaled $8 million in dam- ber 1903 issue of The Popular Magazine. age in 1903 dollars ($194 million in 2013). “Snow Lodge” was a boys’ tale with the limited type boys’ stories like “Camera Bob” (better known as Bob the of romantic interest found in a typical Stratemeyer series Photographer as by “Arthur M. Winfield” in book form) book volume. In it, three boys, including two brothers and Joe the Surveyor. born about a year apart, receive some winter gifts for He also wrote Two Young Lumbermen for publication in Christmas, including ice skates, a camera, and a couple 1903 as the first book in theGreat American Industries rifles. There is an early scene with an ice boat that is Series with tacit promises for more books in the future to in a near accident. The boys arrange to go with an old cover other business lines, including building a railroad hunter in search of game from a cabin on an island. In line. In the last few pages of Lumbermen, one of the boys typical Stratemeyer style, a subplot concerns a piece of expresses an interest in that line of work. real estate withheld from the brothers’ parents by an Hence, when one of the stories written for The Popu- unscrupulous man. The family could make a claim on lar Magazine was called “Building the Line: A Railroad the property if certain papers could be located. Story,” it seemed reasonable that this might prove to be “Snow Lodge” was 16 chapters in 47 two-column the nucleus from which the second volume in the Great pages of two issues of Street & Smith’s The Popular American Industries Series might be written. However, Magazine (Dec. 1903-Jan. 1904). It had no illustrations. for some reason that did not occur, and Two Young Lum- On the title page, Stratemeyer is listed as the author of bermen remained the lone title in that “series.” With Washington in the West (1901), the Old Glory Series But isn’t it likely that Stratemeyer would use such (1898-1901), and Ship and Shore Series (1894-1900). a 31,000-word serial as the basis for a 30 to 35-chapter “Snow Lodge” becomes a book book? As shown by the title of this article, Stratemeyer During the early years of the 20th Century, Stratemeyer had recently expanded a 16-chapter story for The Popular was communicating with several publishers who were Magazine (December 1903-January 1904) to 30 chapters interested in issuing books by him. Some of these began for publication in book form as The Island Camp when it (Continued on Page 10) Page 10 NEWSBOY January-February 2014

From ‘Snow Lodge’ to The Island Camp (Continued from Page 9) long business relationships with him while others had only brief ones or none at all. One such publisher was A.S. Barnes of New York, which was more comfortable issuing sports nonfiction books. Much of Stratemeyer’s communications with that firm were with its president, Henry Burr Barnes (1845- 1911), son of founder Alfred Smith Barnes (1817-88). Stratemeyer also corresponded with (James) Ripley (Wellman) Hitchcock (1857-1918), the vice president and general manager. Hitchcock previously was literary adviser for D. Appleton & Co. and served as a direc- tor of Harper & Brothers following his time with A.S. Barnes (1902-06). Hitchcock also served as art critic of the New York Tribune. As his first project for A.S. Barnes, Stratemeyer ex- panded “Snow Lodge” from 16 chapters to 30 chapters to form the book titled The Island Camp; or, The Young Hunters of Lakeport. Bound in brown cloth with a $1.25 retail price, the book was advertised in The Publishers’ Weekly on Nov. 5, 1904 as “The First Volume in Captain Bonehill’s Outdoor Series.” It had this separate entry in Edward Stratemeyer’s Literary Account Books:

No. 211. “The Island Camp.” Story lengthened from “Snow Lodge” (see No. 199). Sold to A.S. Barnes & Co. under “Bonehill” nom-de-plume, on 10% royalty basis. (Renamed “Gun Club Boys of Lakeport” by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard). Advertisement in The Publishers’ Weekly announc- ing the release by A.S. Barnes of The Island Camp. The second volume published in the Outdoor Series was The Winning Run; or, The Baseball Boys of Lakeport, Stratemeyer wrote to Ripley Hitchcock as follows: advertised in The Dial on Sept. 16, 1905, and which had the following entry in the Literary Account Books: Since our last conversation I have been over twice to see you but you were not in. Yesterday I saw your Mr. No. 216. “The Winning Run.” A baseball book written Henry [Barnes] and had a talk with him regarding the Feb. 1905 for A.S. Barnes & Co. on contract and royalty. books we thought to get out. Renamed “Baseball Boys of Lakeport.” This conversation was rather a revelation to me, and as a result I am afraid it will be impossible for either There was apparently some interest in continuing the me or the Syndicate I represent to supply you with any Outdoor Series with a third Bonehill title in 1906, but MSS. I thought it was understood that if we went ahead the connection was missed when the publisher was away at all the MSS. would be ordered under contract, but from the office. The person Stratemeyer spoke with was Mr. Henry informed me that under no circumstances taken aback by an apparent change in policy whereby would he make a contract with anybody until after he manuscripts would be accepted only upon approval had read a MS. For the past eight years I have written rather than a contract ordering a story and promising nothing excepting on order, and the Syndicate puts out to publish it ahead of time. nothing excepting on order. As you must know, even January-February 2014 NEWSBOY Page 11

if Mr. Henry does not, fully two-thirds of the books A couple days later, Stratemeyer replied to this and published are written on order — that is, authors and declined to write another story for them: publishers talk it over and agree what shall be written. Only a short while ago the “Ladies Home Journal” and Yours of two days ago to hand and contents noted. I “Saturday Evening Post” admitted that fully seventy-five thank you for what you say about my personal work on per cent of their published matter was “written to order” books, but, I cannot at present see my way clear to write for them. For myself and for the Syndicate I can get all anything on speculation, as it were. the work we wish to fill, guaranteed, and so it is not When I was over to see you and I had about six weeks at all necessary for us to write stories and then submit leeway before starting on other contracts and thought I them for consideration. I supposed that you wished to could get you out that “Bonehill” and have my Syndicate strengthen your juvenile line and as you had treated me get out the other book. But since that time I have taken fairly in the past I wanted to do what I could for you, up another story, and gone ahead in other ways, so my even though there was not much money in it. So far, time will be filled for some months to come. At present I the two stories you have on your list have not paid me have five of my own MSS. ordered ahead, and I also have nearly as well as the other “Bonehill” books, nor as well fourteen books from the Syndicate listed, to be written as the Syndicate books, so, it seems to me, I would be by six other authors — so you can realize what there is running a risk on new works rather than a publisher. to do. I do not allow myself to hurry on a book, nor do Under the above circumstances, will you kindly return I allow any carelessness on the part of those working to me the outlines submitted to you, so that I can use for the Syndicate. All of us [are] doing our level best to them elsewhere — outlines for the “Bonehill” book bring out the most readable and most salable books ever and the two Syndicate books. issued for young people, and I think our sales are proving It is possible that you can get the authors of recognized that we are giving people what they want. success to submit MSS. to you for consideration, but I doubt Regretting that we cannot “get together” at present, it. I have been closely connected with leading publishers and hoping the situation may change at some future for the past twelve years and the few MSS. [that] I have time, I remain, seen floating around in that way were usually penned by Yours truly, those who had a quarrel with a previous publisher and Edward Stratemeyer were left somewhat “stranded” in consequence. — Stratemeyer to Henry B. Barnes Yours truly, of A.S. Barnes & Co., Oct. 5, 1906. Edward Stratemeyer — Stratemeyer to A.S. Barnes & Co., Oct . 2, 1906. Ownership of printing plates The above situation, a problem with copyrights, and Apparently, Henry Barnes had just returned when generally poor sales led Stratemeyer to offer to buy Stratemeyer’s letter was received, based on this reply back the plates and publishing rights for the Barnes that reinforced the publisher’s position: volumes. At that time he was obtaining the plates from several of his smaller publishers who issued books but I find your letter of the 2nd inst. on my return from did not sell very many copies of them. He also began Southampton, and in accordance therewith return the to commission plates for new books. Those he would memoranda which you left with me in regard to the new lease to publishers by receiving an additional royalty Bonehill book and the two Syndicate books. of 2.5 per cent per copy sold. Thus, a Lothrop, Lee & It was my expectation that the books would be made Shepard book normally receiving 10 per cent would and delivered, subject to final approval; in other words, now earn 12.5 per cent. that the books must be accepted by us before publica- His experience as an amateur printer as a teen in tion. I see no reason why they should not be perfectly the 1870s and knowledge of printing and publishing acceptable, judging from your long experience in making techniques allowed him to communicate with the plate juvenile books, but we have a principle which prevents makers. He was particular about selecting good type- our agreeing to accept a book in advance. faces and keeping the layout and overall appearance of Regretting that you do not see your way clear to carry his pages similar. He even specified that his plates be out the plan on these terms, and hoping that you will stored in well-marked wooden boxes closed by screws, revise your decision, I remain, not nails, so they could be used several times as needed Yours very truly, Henry B. Barnes over the life of the books. — Henry B. Barnes Among the plates Stratemeyer bought back at this of A.S. Barnes & Co., Oct. 3, 1906 (Continued on Page 12) Page 12 NEWSBOY January-February 2014

From ‘Snow Lodge’ to The Island Camp (Continued from Page 11) time were two books from publisher A. Wessels, Bob the Photographer (1902) by “Arthur M. Winfield” and Lost in the Land of Ice (1902) by “Capt. Ralph Bonehill.” In January 1905 he bought the plates for $200 and gave up $50-$75 in royalties due. The publisher also had 250 bound books and 1,000 sets of sheets for the two titles. Stratemeyer initially offered those plates and publishing rights to A.S. Barnes since they were pleased with The Island Camp and were ordering the second book. The royalty statement for the sales through the end of the year had not been received on Jan. 31, 1905 when he made this offer. While Barnes did not take up the offer, he did bring those two books to William Stitt, Jr., the publisher who had taken over the Mershon plates, including the Rover Boys, in February 1905. Meanwhile, Stratemeyer was going back and forth with Dana Estes, publisher of the Mexican War Series under the “Bonehill” name that had sold poorly. He made offers to sell the copyrights for $500 or to buy the plates and their publishing interest in the three books for $350. By contract, Stratemeyer was to re- ceive $100 per year on the three Mexican War books as a guarantee. Estes was balking at this figure even though it represented a sale of only 500 copies of the The front panel of the extremely scarce dust jacket three books. They could not come to terms and Strate- for The Island Camp, published by A.S. Barnes. meyer let the original agreement stand. However, by Feb. 28, 1905, the royalty statement and guarantee $400 for the set of the three volumes, with cover dies had not been received even though it was a month and illustrations. late at this point. Yours truly, Sales from Dana Estes continued to be minimal on Edward Stratemeyer the three Mexican War books through 1906. The royalty — Stratemeyer to Dana Estes & Co., Sept. 20, 1906. statement and check received on Feb. 23, 1907 for July Stratemeyer and Estes finally came to terms on the through December 1906 was just $29.50 for the three Mexican War books in December 1908 for $300 for the books. Stratemeyer offered $100 per set of plates, illus- sets of plates. He then took them to Warren F. Gregory trations, and cover dies. This figure was down from the of Lothrop, Lee & Shepard of Boston, to be published $400 he offered on Sept. 20, 1906: under his own name in 1909. This followed Stratemeyer’s ongoing wrangling with In looking over my royalty accounts I find I have as A.S. Barnes to buy the plates and publishing interest yet heard nothing from you concerning the royalty on the for the two “Bonehill” volumes, The Island Camp and “Mexican War Series,” for the six months ending August The Winning Run, and ultimately bring them to LL&S to 1st, this year. Kindly let me hear from you. become the first volumes in the Lakeport Series under As the books have probably not done any better his own name as The Gun Club Boys of Lakeport and The than last season I again ask if you do not care to sell Baseball Boys of Lakeport for publication in 1908. the plates. I do not see why a publisher should care By February 1906 the royalty report for the second half to keep plates when he cannot sell the books. If the of 1905 had proven so disappointing that Stratemeyer plates are in good condition I am willing to give you and Barnes agreed to drop the price to 60 cents and sell January-February 2014 NEWSBOY Page 13 as many copies as they could. This was considered a of which you have sold, in books, only 360 copies “popular” price, similar to the retail figure used for the in two years, an average of only 130 copies on each Rover Boys books: book — 65 per year! [arithmetic error, 180 per year, average 90 per title per year] It seems to me if I had As promised yesterday I hereby give you written plates and could no better I would be glad to sell them permission to issue the two books, “The Island Camp” at $100 per set. and “The Winning Run,” at any price you please not The best I can offer you at present is $250 for the lower than sixty cents retail. two sets of plates, cover dies, copyrights, etc., and I will In making this concession I earnestly hope that you take them at once, for cash, at that figure. Then, if you will push the volumes all you possibly can. I see that wish, you can keep the copies on hand, 472, and sell Harpers have reduced all their leading juveniles to sixty them without royalty, or I will take them at your figure, cents, so possibly it will pay you to do the same. 20 cents each. I think you can sell these copies without If you wish to increase the line and are willing to meet much trouble for 30 to 35 cents each — the regular price us as other publishers do, the Stratemeyer Syndicate will on the 60-cent “Bonehill” books. be pleased to furnish books under several names that are If you wish to accept my offer kindly let me hear well known and have the selling powers. Some of the very from you inside of a week or ten days. And if you accept best juvenile authors now contribute to the syndicate. kindly send me three copies of each book. Yours truly, Yours truly, Edward Stratemeyer Edward Stratemeyer — Stratemeyer to A.S. Barnes & Co., Feb. 1, 1906. — Stratemeyer to A.S. Barnes & Co., March 4, 1907.

According to royalty statements from A.S. Barnes, the When Cupples & Leon did not take up the series, sales of The Island Camp and The Winning Run, though Stratemeyer approached Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. The never robust, fell from 144 copies (combined) for the two volumes would begin a Lakeport Series with new July-December 1905 period to a paltry 36 copies sold titles and be published under Stratemeyer’s own name from January to June 1907, the latter returning a measly instead of the “Capt. Ralph Bonehill” pseudonym used $4.50 royalty payment to Stratemeyer. By Sept. 6, 1907, for the A.S. Barnes books. total sales for the two books had been a disappointing Meanwhile, Stratemeyer continued to negotiate with 1,528, including at least 1,200 for The Island Camp. Barnes on the plates: On Feb. 11, 1907, Stratemeyer had to remind Barnes to provide statement and check for the two books. He also Yours at hand containing statement of sales and pay- wrote that if they were disappointed in the books that he ment on “Winning Run” and “Island Camp.” would buy the plates and take them to another publisher. The returns are so very small that I feel I must again After receiving the small payment, he offered $100 each ask if you do not wish to sell me the plates of these for the plates, illustrations, and cover dies. books and a reasonable price. Of one book you have By the end of February they had expressed a will- sold only 16 copies and the other only 20 copies in six ingness to do so and Stratemeyer made a proposal to months. This is practically no sale at all — certainly Cupples & Leon, a publisher that began handling books you are not pushing the books as was originally agreed. from his new Stratemeyer Syndicate (founded in 1905) I gave you two good, talking tales and I hate to see them in 1906. When he named the asking price for the plates, “go dead” in this fashion. they replied that it was too high and new plates could If you care to consider an offer of $200 for the two be made for similar figures. sets of plates, etc. let me know. If you will take this I will allow you to sell what stock you have on hand without In early March, Stratemeyer again wrote to Barnes: the payment of further royalties. If, however, you do not wish to sell the plates and terminate our contract then I Yours of Feb. 25th duly to hand, and I have been must insist upon it that you push the books as originally giving the matter of purchasing the plates of your two agreed by your Mr. Hitchcock, so that I can get some “Bonehill” books consideration. fair return out of them — failing in which I shall feel I really believe you are asking a little too much for compelled to take steps to have the contract broken. these plates. One publisher has told me that he can make Yours truly, new plates for almost the price you are asking for these Edward Stratemeyer old ones, and he would much prefer to make new plates — Stratemeyer to Henry B. Barnes for new books. of A.S. Barnes & Co., Sept. 6, 1907. Another thing, it seems a large price for plates (Continued on Page 14) Page 14 NEWSBOY January-February 2014

You may pay this when convenient. Kindly draw up From ‘Snow Lodge’ agreements for the two books, mentioning old and new names, making them subject to the usual 10% royalty. With this I send you some ideas for all three covers to The Island Camp — two old and one new which I think ought to work up very effectively. I am almost as enthusiastic about this (Continued from Page 13) series as I am about “Dave Porter.” Yours of Sept. 10th to hand and contents noted. In With this I also send a list of corrections to make to reply I would say that I am willing to accept your offer the plates before printing a new edition. to buy the plates, cover dies, illustrations, etc. of the two Yours truly, books, “Winning Run” and “Island Camp” at the price Edward Stratemeyer you name, two hundred and fifty dollars, and will send — Stratemeyer to Warren F. Gregory you check as soon as I receive bill of sale and transfer of Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, Oct. 4 1907. of copyrights. Regarding sheets and bound stock, however, I would The Island Camp; or, the Young Hunters of Lakeport prefer that you dispose of the same, and will give you (Barnes, 1904) became The Gun Club Boys of Lakeport; permission to do so without paying me any royalty. or, The Island Camp (L, L&S, 1908). Both editions had Awaiting your reply, I remain, six illustrations, though the frontispiece was replaced Yours truly, with a depiction of the same scene by Charles Nuttall. Edward Stratemeyer Coincidentally, Stratemeyer had Nuttall replace eight — Stratemeyer to Henry B. Barnes illustrations by F(rank) Gilbert Edge for the third vol- of A.S. Barnes & Co., Sept. 12, 1907. ume in the Dave Porter series, Dave Porter’s Return to School (L, L&S, 1907). With this I mail my check to pay for plates, etc. on The Winning Run; or, The Baseball Boys of Lakeport the two “Bonehill” books. Kindly send me receipt, and (Barnes, 1905) became The Baseball Boys of Lakeport; or if you have not yet transferred the copyrights to me, The Winning Run (L, L&S, 1908). The six illustrations by kindly have it done in the near future. Max Klepper were retained in the reissue. Will send shipping directions for plates later. To these was added a third volume, The Boat Club Boys Have not yet heard from you in answer to mine of the of Lakeport; or, The Water Champions (L, L&S, 1908). It had Sept. 26, in which I stated my publishers would take the eight illustrations by Charles Nuttall, as did the Dave sheets at 12 cents and bound stock at 20 cents. Kindly Porter books of the period. As noted above, Stratemeyer let me know about this and send exact amount of each, had also requested Nuttall to redraw the frontispiece of and I will send shipping directions. The Island Camp as a full-page picture of the same scene Yours truly, (two boys taking refuge in a tree surrounded by angry Edward Stratemeyer wolves), rather than retain the vignette style of that P.S. In former letter I also asked for three copies of each scene by original artist Harry Rountree. volume, to be sent to me at my expense by express. Following the L, L&S reprint titles The Gun Club Boys — Stratemeyer to Henry B. Barnes of Lakeport and The Baseball Boys of Lakeport, and the ad- of A.S. Barnes & Co., Oct. 1, 1907. dition of The Boat Club Boys of Lakeport in 1909, annual volumes were added through 1912, forming a series of six Excerpts from letter to Lothrop, Lee & Shepard: volumes. Stratemeyer was writing The Automobile Boys of Lakeport (1910) just at the time that he purchased his Dear Mr. Gregory: first automobile, a 1910 Cadillac touring car. However, I have to-day received the assignments of copyrights it does not appear that he flew in an airplane to write of two books, “Winning Run” and “Island Camp” from The Aircraft Boys of Lakeport (1912) or that surely would Barnes & Co., recorded in due form at Washington. have been mentioned as frequently as his automobiling Have also received from them receipted bill of $250 exploits in the first year or two. for plates, cover dies, etc. With this I also enclose a bill Unauthorized reprint of “Snow Lodge” from them for bound and sheet stock. I trust you will Stratemeyer did some extensive work for Street & attend to this in the near future. Smith. He began writing some nickel library volumes I will send them a letter to-day asking them to hold for them as early as 1890. By the end of 1892 when his plates, stock, etc. subject to your order. daughter, Harriet Stratemeyer, was born, he began to With this I mail you a receipt for $125 for the plates. (Continued on Page 16) January-February 2014 NEWSBOY Page 15

The Tour of the Zero Club Dave Porter’s Return to School The Speedwell Boys and Their (frontispiece) (facing page 265) Ice Racer (frontispiece) Ice boats in Stratemeyer and Syndicate books In addition to “Snow Lodge” and its book version, 1911) by “Graham B. Forbes” (St. George Rathborne). The Island Camp, several Edward Stratemeyer and • The Outdoor Girls in a Winter Camp (Grosset & Dun- Stratemeyer Syndicate stories include adventures on lap, 1913) by “Laura Lee Hope” (Howard R. Garis). ice boats. An early Stratemeyer example was “The Tour • The Bobbsey Twins at Snow Lodge (Grosset & Dunlap, of the Zero Club” as by “Harvey Hicks” that appeared 1913) by “Laura Lee Hope” (Howard R. Garis). in Good News in 1894. It was published in book form • The Speedwell Boys and Their Ice Racer (Cupples & under Stratemeyer’s personal pseudonym “Capt. Ralph Leon, 1915) by “Roy Rockwood” (W. Bert Foster). Bonehill” by Street & Smith in 1902, initially as part of • The Bobbsey Twins in a Great City (Grosset & Dunlap, a projected Zero Club Series that was not continued. 1917) by “Laura Lee Hope” (Howard R. Garis). The story was soon incorporated into the S&S Boys’ • The Mystery at Cabin Island (Grosset & Dunlap, 1928) Own Library, along with appearances in various S&S by “Franklin W. Dixon” (Leslie McFarlane). thick soft-cover editions. Of these, the Hardy Boys story is probably the best Another example appeared in the Newark Sunday known. It is consistently listed among the top-favorite Call newspaper as the short story “The Ice Boat Zip” stories by fans of that series. It is less of a mystery, this (Feb. 3, 1895) that was reprinted as “Ice Boat Scud” as by time describing the search of a valuable stamp collection, “A.L. Thompson” in Bright Days in April 1896. rather than a Christmas vacation adventure in the out- Other books written by Edward Stratemeyer with ice doors. The Hardys and their friends gain permission to boat scenes include: use the cabin after recovering the island owner’s Pierce • The Rover Boys Out West (Mershon, 1900) by “Arthur Arrow in The Shore Road Mystery, while the owner was in M. Winfield.” England. The scenes on the ice were impressive enough • The Bobbsey Twins (Mershon, 1904) by “Laura Lee to cause one fan to get his own ice boat, name it the Hope.” Hawkshaw, and visit frozen lakes in places like Colorado • The Putnam Hall Cadets (Mershon, 1905) by “Arthur on many occasions. M. Winfield.” Ice boating, still popular today, became a major winter • Dave Porter’s Return to School (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, pastime and competitive sport in the early years of the 1907) by Edward Stratemeyer. 20th century. Locales familiar to Stratemeyer included Soon after, several Stratemeyer Syndicate series books the Hudson River and Finger Lakes of upstate New York, included ice yachts: whose Cayuga Lake was a primary setting for the Rover • The Boys of Columbia High on the Ice (Grosset & Dunlap, Boys and Putnam Hall series. — James D. Keeline Page 16 NEWSBOY January-February 2014

From ‘Snow Lodge’ to The Island Camp (Continued from Page 14) work part of the week at Street & Smith as an associate editor, soon after editing Good News for a time. There is also evidence to indicate that the thick paperbacks and hardcovers issued in the Medal Library and Boys’ Own Library were the fruits of his efforts to edit shorter nickel library and serial stories into book-length material. At one point, when Street & Smith was receiving criticism for its nickel libraries that might jeopardize their favorable postal rate, Stratemeyer testified on their behalf. With this background, Stratemeyer was understand- ably annoyed when he learned that his short story, “Snow Lodge” was being serialized as filler material in 1912 issues of the Tip Top Weekly. Frank Merriwell and some other members of the family were the title characters for the lead stories in these issues but some- times extra space was available to fill out the formulaic length of each issue. Stratemeyer had already used the “Snow Lodge” material in two book editions. He also did not wish to have his name appear on the pages of The Gun Club Boys of Lakeport, published by Lo- a nickel library issue, more popularly and derisively throp, Lee & Shepard in 1908, became the new title called dime novels. for The Island Camp after L, L&S acquired the original In early January 1912 there began a series of letters A.S. Barnes printing plates from Edward Stratemeyer. between Stratemeyer and S&S debating this issue, with The Lakeport Series continued for six volumes. Stratemeyer finally suggesting the following: issues from No. 816 (2 Dec. 1911) to No. 822 (13 Jan. 1912). Since S&S published their issues several weeks Would you be willing to issue a Card in the “Tip in advance, the promised notice did not appear until Top Weekly,” stating that the story, “Snow Lodge,” by issue No. 829 (2 March 1912). It was printed on page 27 Edward Stratemeyer, the well-known author of so many at the end of the Merriwell story for that issue: popular books for boys, and had been written by him for NOTICE! the “Popular Magazine” and was published in “Tip Top” The story “Snow Lodge,” by Edward Stratemeyer, by mistake, etc.? Such a card would be no more than the well-known author of so many popular books for fair, in my judgement, and might go a long way towards boys, was written for the Popular Magazine, and its removing any damage done to my reputation. recent publication in these pages was an editorial mis- Hoping you will appreciate my position and realize take. We make this explanation to our readers at the that I do not wish to appear in any degree harsh, but request of the author. simply wish to defend a name that has cost a great deal of time, labor, and expense to make, I remain, In summation ... Yours truly, The evolution of “Snow Lodge” to The Island Camp, Edward Stratemeyer later renamed The Gun Club Boys of Lakeport, was a pro- minent example of how Edward Stratemeyer reused Thus, the matter was quickly settled when on Jan. 22, as much of his writing as possible. As he did with the 1912, Street & Smith agreed to publish a notice stating Mexican War Series, when he found the original sales that the serial, “Snow Lodge” by Edward Stratemeyer unsatisfactory, he worked to move the series to another was written for the “Popular Magazine” and printed in publisher, even if it meant issuing the story under his “Tip Top” by mistake. own name, making it more difficult to keep his name and The “Snow Lodge” serial ran in seven Tip Top Weekly efforts separate from those under pseudonyms.